Xhosa-speaking gay men's experiences of Ulwaluko and its influence on their constructions of masculine identity

Abstract

Ulwaluko' is traditionally a heterosexual Xhosa male circumcision rite of passage to manhood which defines their masculinity and educates them on their responsibilities as a heterosexual man. There is nothing in this rite which focuses on homosexual manhood. Despite the notable progressive legislation on Gay Rights in South Africa, there has been limited research on whether gay men engage in the circumcision rite of Ulwaluko and if they do, what are their experiences in relation to their identity as a gay man? The theory of hegemonic masculinity was utilized to critically analyze how gay men construct their masculine identity. The main aim of the study was to explore and describe Xhosa-speaking gay men's experience of Ulwaluko and how this had influenced their construction of a masculine identity. This study focused on addressing the following research question; "What are the experiences of Ulwaluko of Xhosa-speaking gay men and how has it influenced their construction of a masculine identity?" In attempting to answer the research question, the study used a Qualitative Research methodology, adopting an exploratory and descriptive research design.